" (Whyte, 2002) One of the most important achievements of this book is not necessarily the artistic retrospect of William Blake's work for instance, but rather the questions that are set forth by the content of points being made with the help of Blake's citations. More precisely, "Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work As a Pilgrimage of Identity" offers the opportunity for the reader to ask questions over its own identity, its role in the greater universe, and the benefits its work can ensure for the community. In this sense, a relevant passage from the book points out "Showing up for work is difficult. You would think not showing up would be impossible for living, breathing human beings, but we know enough of ourselves on a bleak Monday morning, or certain co-workers of a bad day, to realize that as human beings, we are the one part of creation that can refuse to be itself. Our bodies can be present in our work, but our hearts, minds, and imaginations can be placed firmly in neutral or engaged elsewhere." (Whyte, 2002) Our work must and should be an expression of our greater self-identity and of accomplishment.

Whyte's work is significant for the way in which he focuses on issues such as work, satisfaction, fulfillment, life and imagination as a sea voyage. In fact, he points to the idea that life in itself represents a voyage that needs to be taken with the spirit and dedication. "Gracefully using the metaphor of a sea voyage...

While he draws on the philosophical underpinnings of the self-help movement aimed at finding one's "inner compass," Whyte doesn't offer the step-by-step pragmatism of other books. Instead, his approach is subtler and more organic, presenting an abundance of provocative ideas, especially on one's relationship with time and daily ritual, on the importance of dignity and ethics and on honoring the labor of one's ancestors."(Publisher Weekly, 2001)
Overall, "Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work As a Pilgrimage of Identity" points out several important questions that each and everyone of us should, at one point in time, ask ourselves and their answers should be guidance in our everyday life and in providing a larger and more inclusive perspective on life. The role of imagination and of passion are crucial in ensuring that the work we do defines our identity and offers meaning in shaping the world around us.

References

Publisher Weekly. "Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work As a Pilgrimage of Identity." Reviews Publisher Weekly, Online edition. 2001. Available at http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-57322-178-8

Whyte, David. "Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work As a Pilgrimage of Identity." New York: Penguin Group, 2002.